Endovascular stenting of nonmalignant superior vena cava syndrome

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is associated with advanced malignancy of the chest. Extensive experience is published in the literature regarding the use of endovascular intervention for symptomatic relief in these individuals with limited survival. Symptomatic SVC obstruction may occur from benign conditions that may not alter life expectancy. There are few data regarding endovascular therapy in this setting. We retrospectively analyzed our experience using endovascular intervention for benign SVC obstruction in 19 patients. In our series, the mean age was 46.4 years; 58% were female and 14/19 cases were due to an intravascular device. All patients experienced symptomatic relief. Median follow-up was 28.8 months. Three patients required secondary procedures to maintain patency. Four patients had procedural complications, which did not affect the outcomes. One patient died from complications of anticoagulation at 24 months. Endovascular procedures aimed at relieving SVC stenosis seem to be effective in patients with benign disease.